Tips on finding a rear locker?

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gimlithepirate

New member
I've been watching carpart, but it doesn't look like many of the local junkyards use it. That, or all the FJ Cruiser owners are really good drivers (Ha).

Anyone have any tips on where to source an 8 inch toyota e-locker?
 
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I snagged a tacoma elocker off of craigslist. Same gear ratio and was about 180 for the harness from low range offroad. lkq might have some on hand. check tacoma world's classified also.
 
rich dog said:
I snagged a tacoma elocker off of craigslist. Same gear ratio and was about 180 for the harness from low range offroad. lkq might have some on hand. check tacoma world's classified also.
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I apologize for hijacking gimlithepirate's thread but I'm curious; How much trouble is it to make the switch to the factory locker, running harness and stuff, and is it basically plug and play? And what year Tacoma and/or FJ will work for an 05 V6 model, (if you know). Thanks
 
importman said:
I apologize for hijacking gimlithepirate's thread but I'm curious; How much trouble is it to make the switch to the factory locker, running harness and stuff, and is it basically plug and play? And what year Tacoma and/or FJ will work for an 05 V6 model, (if you know). Thanks
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You need to grind out a small portion of the housing to fit the motor and purchase a few longer studs. Lowrange sells all the equipment needed. I found a 3.73 from a tacoma. Pretty sure the fj autos have the same gear ratio. v6 runners may be a 3.90? the v8s are 3.73.
I think all second gen tacomas and first gen fj cruisers are plug and play minus the grinding. E lockers are great for a daily driven rig. I've got a detroit in my first gen and while its fun to chirp corners I think it would get old on a daily driver.
Never had an arb but I always hear of people having issues with air lines popping loose and then you need onboard air as well.
 
rich dog said:
You need to grind out a small portion of the housing to fit the motor and purchase a few longer studs. Lowrange sells all the equipment needed. I found a 3.73 from a tacoma. Pretty sure the fj autos have the same gear ratio. v6 runners may be a 3.90? the v8s are 3.73.
I think all second gen tacomas and first gen fj cruisers are plug and play minus the grinding. E lockers are great for a daily driven rig. I've got a detroit in my first gen and while its fun to chirp corners I think it would get old on a daily driver.
Never had an arb but I always hear of people having issues with air lines popping loose and then you need onboard air as well.
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Didn't realize some of the Tacomas were 3.73's. That's good to know.

I would definitely do the low range off road kit. Most stock looking option for these.

Toyota e-lockers have a pretty great reputation, and I think it's a better option than dealing with all the potential problems an air locker system brings.
 
I would agree that a rear Toyota elocker is a pretty good and reliable option.

If you are eventually wanting a front locker, an ARB makes more sense, as you'll need the compressor and air components anyway.

If you can't find a used elocker diff, might try emailing ECGS and see if you can swap yours plus some money for their rebuilt elocker diffs. You could get it rebuilt with a solid pinion spacer at this time too. Not sure if they stock elocker motors or if you'll need to find one separately, those can be expensive.
 
ECGS will do the swap, and the nice part is you get a high quality rebuilt unit as opposed to a junkyard one. The problem is the actuator motor, which does not come with that package, and as mentioned gets seriously pricey.

A local shop is swearing high and low that Eaton makes an e-locker for a Toyota 8 inch, which I can't find anywhere online. Only other e-locker option I've found is Harrop, which is pricey
 
gimlithepirate said:
ECGS will do the swap, and the nice part is you get a high quality rebuilt unit as opposed to a junkyard one. The problem is the actuator motor, which does not come with that package, and as mentioned gets seriously pricey.

A local shop is swearing high and low that Eaton makes an e-locker for a Toyota 8 inch, which I can't find anywhere online. Only other e-locker option I've found is Harrop, which is pricey
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I think eaton/harrop is the same thing if i'm not mistaken. If you're going to regear i think your best bet is to go east coast gear. If you're planning on staying with your stock setup its probably better to find a used setup. all in i'm at $550 for the third member and gaskets/studs/harness.
 
rich dog said:
I think eaton/harrop is the same thing if i'm not mistaken. If you're going to regear i think your best bet is to go east coast gear. If you're planning on staying with your stock setup its probably better to find a used setup. all in i'm at $550 for the third member and gaskets/studs/harness.
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I'm just running 33s so no need to regear. I would run the used one, but I cannot seem to source one. The ones on eBay tend to be absurd, and I have not had any luck local yet.
 
gimlithepirate said:
I'm just running 33s so no need to regear. I would run the used one, but I cannot seem to source one. The ones on eBay tend to be absurd, and I have not had any luck local yet.
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Look up rancho toyota recycling. They are in sacramento and have a ton of inventory. I'm sure they could source a diff and ship it. not sure on the pricing.
 
Inv4drZm said:
I would agree that a rear Toyota elocker is a pretty good and reliable option.

If you are eventually wanting a front locker, an ARB makes more sense, as you'll need the compressor and air components anyway.

If you can't find a used elocker diff, might try emailing ECGS and see if you can swap yours plus some money for their rebuilt elocker diffs. You could get it rebuilt with a solid pinion spacer at this time too. Not sure if they stock elocker motors or if you'll need to find one separately, those can be expensive.
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Tacoma Elocker 3rd member

I'm looking into this since 8.2 axles aren't really that easy to find. Looks like assembled 8" rear elocker + front 8" reverse IFS clamshell with 4.56 gearing (and solid spacers front and rear) will run about $1400...then I'd have to source the elocker motor and a harness (no idea whether I'd need a high pinion or low pinion plug)...

Would all this simply bolt up and go?
 
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Drift Monkey said:
Tacoma Elocker 3rd member

I'm looking into this since 8.2 axles aren't really that easy to find. Looks like assembled 8" rear elocker + front 8" reverse IFS clamshell with 4.56 gearing (and solid spacers front and rear) will run about $1400...then I'd have to source the elocker motor and a harness (no idea whether I'd need a high pinion or low pinion plug)...

Would all this simply bolt up and go?
Click to expand...

You will need the low pinion plug I believe. One thing to keep in mind is I think you will need to send them an elocker 3rd as your core in order to get it for that low of a price. I would probably give them a call and see If they will accept an open third member as a core. I'm sure you can find a motor on ebay
 
rich dog said:
Look up rancho toyota recycling. They are in sacramento and have a ton of inventory. I'm sure they could source a diff and ship it. not sure on the pricing.
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I have been there in person, id steer clear unless you are in DESPERATE need of parts. They like to overprice their items.
 
Another vote for ARB.

I've had one in the front of a 92 Bronco since 2001. Works every time.

My son had one in the front of a 79 Bronco. Dana 44, RCV axles and CV joints. He beat on that truck and the only thing he never had to work on was the ARB. He broke a rear axle at one point, pulled the driveshaft and drove 50 or so miles in the desert back to his house on the front axle with the arb locked.

Mike
 
Drift Monkey said:
Tacoma Elocker 3rd member

I'm looking into this since 8.2 axles aren't really that easy to find. Looks like assembled 8" rear elocker + front 8" reverse IFS clamshell with 4.56 gearing (and solid spacers front and rear) will run about $1400...then I'd have to source the elocker motor and a harness (no idea whether I'd need a high pinion or low pinion plug)...

Would all this simply bolt up and go?
Click to expand...

ECGS sells a 8.2 elocker conversion kit for $3500.

8.2'' FJ Cruiser/ 4runner / GX470 Elocker Complete Swap

And like mentioned, the one you linked, you'll need to call them on because you will be sending in your non-elocker 3rd member.
 
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